![]() ![]() ![]() This is frankly a relief, since it means the different components of a channel strip - routing, inserts, sends, and so on - are now sensibly revealed through independent toggles in the appropriate ‘Set up Window Layout’ dialogue. The appearance of the channel strip used in the Channel Zone reflects the updated design of the Mix Console window, where the Racks section is no more. The MixConsole window has been overhauled in Cubase 13 and no longer features the Racks section, opting for a more streamlined experience. ![]() Therefore, being able to display a streamlined channel strip for any track with an audio output independently of the Inspector is one of those small but useful additions. It was already possible to configure the Inspector to show different Sections pertaining to channel‑related controls such as inserts, sends, or indeed a fader, but such an approach could be disrupted when selecting different track types or accidentally closing the necessary Inspector Sections. Joining the existing Left Zone is a second Left Zone known as the Channel Zone, which finally makes it possible to access a conventional channel‑strip‑like view for the selected track in the Project window. However, this slightly awkward combination of controls has now been consolidated into the new ‘Set up Sections’ dialogue, which is the other option available from the Section header’s pop‑up menu. Previously, you could also toggle the inclusion of different Inspector Sections from the same pop‑up just mentioned, in addition to accessing a Setup window with the ability to configure presets. Perhaps regrettably, though, the modifier keys have been rendered impotent, having no effect with either the new default behaviour or the older method. Should you wish to revert to the older, established behaviour (and I can’t really imagine you would), you can simply right‑click a Section’s header and select Expand Sections Exclusively from the pop‑up menu. For instance, where Inspector Sections previously opened and closed exclusively, such that clicking a different Section’s header would close all other Sections without the use of a modifier, they now simply toggle between open and closed states independently. Switching our attention to the Project window’s Left Zone, the design of the Inspector has once again been refined, with a crisper appearance requiring fewer vertical pixels but there are also some crucial usability improvements. And although the MIDI Channel Control is now much more readable than before, it now requires at least three units in Steinberg’s sizing scheme, which seems rather greedy. The Track List immediately stands out, thanks to a better use of contrast, with Track Controls now being displayed in white rather than black. Upon opening your first Project, you’ll notice a not‑insignificant change to the general appearance of the familiar Project window. This has sometimes led to an inconsistent user experience, especially for those new to the application, so it’s good to see Steinberg have made a serious effort with Cubase 13 to ensure the application looks and feels both more congruent and contemporary. ![]() Over the course of 20 years of updates, windows haven’t always been modernised at the same rate. Instead, each Cubase window now implements a relevant instance of the menu bar, making life easier especially when working with multiple displays. This is a very welcome change, since the same window made tasks like minimising, maximising and restoring windows needlessly difficult. And if you’re a Windows user, you’re probably in for a eureka moment when opening the new version for the first time, since Steinberg have finally ditched the cumbersome, seemingly orphaned window that hosted the application’s menu bar. The first thing seasoned users will notice about Cubase 13 is the vast number of user interface modifications, both in terms of appearance and functionality. If Cubase 12 was one better than Cubase 11, then Cubase 13 will be. In a world where version numbers have become largely meaningless, serving more as an expression of marketing than engineering, it’s perhaps unsurprising Steinberg are continuing to follow what might be regarded as the Spinal Tap approach to enumeration. Cubase 13 may be light on headline features, but its raft of small improvements makes it a worthwhile upgrade. ![]()
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